Tobias Dyer Hornbuckle trafficked marijuana in Bli Bli

A 33-year-old Bli Bli fish and chip worker has revealed the discounted deals he gave his customers when he was dealing drugs over what is alleged to be several years.

A Bli Bli drug dealer and trafficker revealed his pricing structure to police after his operation was busted by detectives, a court has heard.

Tobias Dyer Hornbuckle gave out discounted deals to his customers when he was dealing and trafficking marijuana after he retired from his job due to a work injury.

The 33-year-old father and fish and chip worker entered a plea of guilty to drug trafficking and possessing property suspected of being proceeds of an offence in Maroochydore District Court on Tuesday.

The court heard his Bli Bli home was raided by police on December 8, 2020 where the then 32-year-old had been found with 350g of marijuana, a mobile phone, clipseal bags, scales and $7153.65 in cash.

In a police interview Hornbuckle said he sold marijuana to support his habit as he smoked up to three ounces of marijuana a week for pain management.

Hornbuckle said the money found in his bedroom by police had been his wages and said there was more money in his safe.

He told detectives he would purchase a pound of marijuana for $4000 every two to three weeks and would sell quantities ranging from 2.5g to half-ounces

Crown prosecutor Sanaz Masoumi said Hornbuckle revealed his pricing structure where he would sell 14g for $200, 7g for $100 and 2.5g for $50.

Encrypted apps such as Wickr and messages on his phone however revealed the extent of Hornbuckle’s drug dealing according to Ms Masoumi.

Ms Masoumi told the court he offered to sell larger amounts for discounted prices including four single ounces for $1100.

The court heard in August and October, 2019 he contacted more people to increase his client base.

Ms Masoumi said Hornbuckle told one of his contacts in October, 2019 that he “sold a bit of a green on the side” but he clarified saying “when he says a little he means a lot”.

He was later charged on June 12, 2021 with drug trafficking.

The facts surrounding the length of trafficking was contested by Ms Masoumi and defence barrister Nathan Turner.

A recording of Hornbuckle’s interview with detectives was played to the court where the defence argued the 35-year-old had admitted to trafficking drugs for five years.

Mr Turner contested that it was not clear whether Hornbuckle was saying how long he had his health problems for or how long he was “doing this” for.

Judge Gary Long received submissions from Ms Masoumi and Mr Turner and adjourned the sentence to Friday April 1, 2022.